Day 1: Pre-event Workshops

The 140 participating kids, aged 4 to 15 years, were divided into 3 batches to be styled and groomed by industry experts. The show was choreographed by Jessica Gomes and the kids had multiple rounds of practice. It was a pleasure to see the way she was personally interacting with each child with such love and patience; coaching, guiding and encouraging them throughout the workshop.

I was also amazed to see the transformation in the kids from the first to the final practice. Some of them came in shy and self-conscious, looking at the floor while walking down the ramp. After being coached by the coordinator and doing a couple of practice runs, there was a visible change in their body language. They were walking taller, head held high and smiling brightly. It was really incredible to watch the poise and confidence with which these little kids strutted down the ramp. I couldn’t believe some of them were taking to a stage for the first time in their lives! The cutest was seeing the little ones walking down the ramp and counting 1-2-3-4, before turning and walking back just as they had been taught to do.

Day 2: Main Event – Runway Showcase

1st October was the grand event when the little stars took to the stage to showcase the Autumn Winter collections by the participating brands. After a last practice session on the ramp, the kids were dressed, styled and ready to rock. There was not a nervous face in sight. While the main ballroom was bustling with parents, media, industry buyers and brand representatives taking their seats in anticipation, the little kids themselves were unfazed and busy playing games backstage.

First up was Marks & Spencer, London, showcasing a wide range of creatively designed jumpers and bomber jackets in luscious greens, snug blues and bright yellow hues. With a focus on winter, this iconic British brand’s AW collection is designed to make layering innovative and trendy.

In the afternoon, the ramp was taken over by kids showcasing three different and stylish looks from the Allen Solly Junior AW collection – ‘Sport the Adventure’, inspired from military and jungle look, ‘Athleisure’ that includes special fabrics and trim plays and ‘Party Squad’ that’s created specially to cater to special occasions and parties.

Finally it was time for the title sponsor U.S. Polo Assn Kids. Even before the show began, there was excitement in the air as the ramp was transformed with saddles, helmets, polo sticks and balls to reflect the brand’s American origin and polo connection. The collection itself stayed true to classic American styling with a vibrant play of reds, blues and whites highlighted with stars, stripes and dot prints.

Why it was a moving and eye opening experience for me:

When I signed up for this, I expected the event to be full of fun and energy and it surely lived up to my expectations. But I never thought that it would be so much more than just fashion. It completely changed my perspective on kids’ fashion shows.

The idea behind the event was not only to provide the brands a unique platform to showcase their collections, but also to give children an opportunity to shine, open up and become more self-confident. It does say a lot that the show Director Jessica Gomes not only has 15 years of experience as a model, but is an educationist, the principal of a well-renowned school and a mother herself.

There was never any pressure on children to perform, to do a catwalk or pose in a certain way. They were just allowed to be themselves. Some of them were skipping, dancing along the way, waving, twirling and just having fun on stage. Even backstage they were having a blast, enjoying the food and making new friends. The whole vibe of the event was relaxed and fun.

As a parent, I was really happy to see the kids being treated so well by the JFW crew. On both the days, before getting down to business, they were first offered a scrumptious meal.The crew went out of their way to not only ensure that each child is eating well, but also held hands and escorted each one to the washroom. Special care was taken that at no point was any child left unattended, from the moment they walked in till the time they were picked up again by their parents

The most heartening was to see children from varied backgrounds come together. There were kids with special needs and a few struggling with self-image issues. We spoke to a few of the parents and they all had the same thing to say – being a part of JFW has given their kids a big confidence boost and a feeling of acceptance.

There were parents who were returning to JFW for the second or third time and also parents who had earlier registered the older child and were now coming back with the younger sibling. In my mind, that itself is a testimonial to the success of the event.

I’m so happy and grateful that I got to experience this event with you guys! Firstly, it was everything you have said in the post. You really have captured the essence of those two days beautifully. Secondly, I think those two days of hanging out together and experiencing this has made us closer! Win win situation for me! 🙂

Baby & Beyondsaid on October 9, 2017 11:00 am:

The best part was that though we met for the first time, I felt like we were all old friends!